2020-106 Senior Center ProgrammingDate: December 18, 2020 Report No. 2020-106
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Senior Center Reopening and Programs BACKGROUND:
On March 13, all recreational programs and facilities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the initial closure, North Lakes Recreation Center reopened on June 22, and MLK Jr. Recreation Center reopened on September 8. Gary Packan presented a Parks and Recreation program and facility update at the October 13
City Council meeting. As part of the presentation, the staff recommended hosting some senior-
specific programs at MLK Jr. Recreation Center. After discussion with the Council, the Senior Center staff planned to restart some senior programs at the Senior Center beginning November 30 (Attachment 1) with additional safety precautions.
Between the presentation on October 13 and the reopening date of November 30, Denton County
began to see a surge in COVID-19 cases jumping from 2,060 to 5,617 active cases. The CDC continues to recommend older adults and those with underlying health conditions limit in-person interactions with other people as much as possible, particularly when indoors. The
Senior Center serves ages 50 and older, and that age group is 4-13 times more likely to be
hospitalized and 30-630 times more likely to die from COVID-19.
Date: Report No. 000
On November 20, Council Member Briggs asked if the staff was still reaching out to residents that regularly visited the Senior Center to provide wellness checks while the center is closed. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a part-time recreation specialist that
worked at the Senior Center conducted well-check phone calls on members. The recreation specialist position was vacated in early October. DISCUSSION:
Staff participates in a monthly Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Leisure and Aging
Services division meeting. Cities currently operating in-person senior programs are doing so at open recreation centers and multi-generational centers, while most dedicated senior centers remain closed. These locations take measures including mask requirements, social distancing, preregistration requirements, limit participation, and program modifications for increased
cleaning and sanitation of surfaces and supplies. For the few cities hosting limited activities in
their dedicated senior centers, general admittance is not permitted and require preregistration or appointment-based activities. Lewisville, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Southlake, and Colleyville seem to be the most active in providing in-person senior programs at this time (Attachments 2 and 3).
Since staff recommended canceling in-person programs at the Senior Center, staff continued with outreach and virtual programs. These virtual program efforts (Attachment 4) includes take home activity bags filled with self-led and virtual activities, Zoom Bingo twice a month, virtual wellness seminars in partnership with Denton County and other local organizations, daily
Facebook posts with links to senior fitness classes and activities, book pick-ups, and a variety of
Holiday activities. Participation in virtual activities has been hit or miss, with 2-3 people per activity, if any. Staff attribute this to various factors such as virtual burnout, lack of understanding or access to
technology devices, and the inability to reach seniors with a lack of print advertising that was
still heavily used before closures. With the vacancy of the part-time recreation specialist and the scheduling needs related to facility monitoring and cleaning at the recreation centers, the senior center staff have not been
able to devote the required amount of time to continuing these calls. While team members do
still make some calls, staff recognize it is far below the previous level, and seniors miss their conversations. In an attempt to address this need, staff reviewed options to utilize volunteers to make these
calls. Prior feedback from the recreation specialist and senior advisory council volunteers
suggested that participants didn't seem comfortable answering calls from numbers they did not recognize. Often, calls were made only to leave a message, and if they didn't recognize the volunteer name(s), voicemails were often not returned. The recreation specialist made 15-20 calls daily and only spoke to an average of two people per day. Volunteers have also expressed
that they preferred not to share their numbers.
Date: Report No. 000
For these reasons, staff worked with Tech Services to create a senior chat line, using an unused and unpublished phone line at the Senior Center. Phone calls received at (940) 349-8728 will be transferred to an approved volunteer based on a schedule maintained by staff. The chat line will
allow the mainline to remain open for business-related needs and for volunteers to conduct chats remotely while limiting potential staff and volunteer exposures and preventing staff and volunteers from having to provide their personal phone numbers. Senior members of our community can call and connect with other seniors and staff, Mondays
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thursdays 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Additional times may be added as the need arises, provided service level can be maintained. Staff have also set up a registration for those requesting a regularly scheduled call. A temporary/seasonal staff member who works at the Senior Center during Meals on Wheels pick-up will be making phone calls to those identified as needing outreach. Additionally, staff has created a dedicated email, DSC@cityofdenton.com, for
seniors to use. While we agree it is essential to protect our Senior community from COVID-19, we must consider the unintended consequences of keeping them home and find a way to address and
balance the two health-related issues. Due to the rising numbers and inability to offer in-person
programs as planned, staff is developing drive-thru and virtual programs that will follow a consistent schedule and provide seniors something to look forward to each week. The annual Senior Magazine will be sent to all households in Denton with residents 50 years old and older. This magazine will go out in January and provide a list of senior programs and services and
general recreational programs for adults.
The issue will include scheduled virtual and drive-thru activities, instructions over how to access Zoom on various devices, mental health and other community resources, staff bios, contact information, facility updates related to COVID-19 safety protocols, and future reopening plans.
Also, staff is exploring the option of an iPad on loan program, providing devices with data plans to seniors as an opportunity to connect with parks and recreation programs. Staff is aware of several seniors center programs that continue to meet on their own, including
the Senior Center choir and band members. CONCLUSION: While staff's recommendation is to keep the Senior Center closed and continue to offer programs virtually or by drive-thru, many seniors and their family members have reached out expressing
their desire for in-person programs. Staff will present the next COVID-19 response and update on January 15, 2021. ATTACHMENTS:
1. Senior Center Reopening Flier
2. TRAPS LAS Branch - City Reopening Dates 12.6.20 3. Grapevine, Colleyville, and Southlake Adapt to COVID-19
Date: Report No. 000
4. Denton Senior Center Virtual Programs 5. Email Outreach to Seniors (March-Current) STAFF CONTACT: Caroline Seward Program Area Manager, Parks and Recreation caroline.seward@cityofdenton.com
Megan Thomas Senior Center Supervisor, Parks and Recreation megan.thomas@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
Council Member Keely Briggs PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: Parks and Recreation
Public Affairs
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: Parks and Recreation | 4 hours Public Affairs | 2 hours
Denton Senior Center Reopening
November 30
Due to current gathering restrictions, all entry requires participation in a scheduled activity.
Facial coverings, temperature screens, and social distancing will be required for entry.
All classes will be registration based or require an active membership.
Due to COVID-19 safety procedures, the lobby, sunroom and library will be closed.
Coffee and Healthy Snacks will not be served.
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be readily available.
Masks or gloves may be provided upon request.
Modified hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Programs and Activities
All activities will be held in the Multipurpose Room with a 15 participant maximum.
Group exercise, Bingo, Games, and BYOP will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.
The fitness room will be open on a first-come-first-served basis with a five person maximum.
Reopening date and expansion of hours and activities is based on conditions regarding COVID-19.
City Name Facility Name Reopening Date/ In-person offerings
Allen Allen Senior Recreation Center TBD
Arlington Senior Recreation Center New York TBD
Bedford Bedford Senior Center TBD
Burleson Burleson Senior Center TBD
Carrollton Carrollton Senior Center TBD
Cedar Hill TBD
Colleyville Reopened-fitness only
Coppell Coppell Senior & Community Center TBD
Deer Park Maxwell Adult Center TBD
Denton Denton Senior Center Meals on Wheels Delivery, tentative
reopening March 1
DeSoto TBD
Farmers Branch The Branch Connection TBD, drive-thru and small group activties
at alternate locations
Flower Mound Flower Mound Senior Center TBD
Fort Worth Multi-gen Facilities Resumed senior programs October 5
Frisco The Grove at Frisco Commons TBD
Frisco The Village at Frisco Lakes Limited fitness & swim, no in-person
Grand Prairie The Summit Reopening March 1
Grapevine The REC (Multi-gen)Open fitness only, no senior component
Haltom City Haltom Senior Center TBD
Hurst Hurst Senior Activities Center TBD
Irving Irving's Heritage Senior Center TBD
Keller TBD
Lewisville Multi-gen opened October, move to reservation
only beginning Dec. 4, including bingo,
chair volleyall, pool, gym, fitness floor
Little Elm TBD
Mansfield Reopened-fitness only
McKinney Senior Recreation Center & Pool Halted programming November 20
Mesquite Goodbar, Evens and Rutherford
Recreation Centers
TBD
Mont Belview Reopened June 15 (25% capacity)
North Richland Hills NRH Senior Center TBD
Plano Sam Johnson Recreation Center Rec center closed, wellness appt only
Richardson Senior Programs & Activities TBD, no senior programs
Richland Hills Multi-gen Facility Reopened May 29-fitness only
Sachse The Laurie Schwenk Senior Center TBD
San Antonio Adult & Senior Centers mid- Jnauary
Sherman Sherman Senior Center No date
Southlake Southlake Senior Activity Center No date
The Colony The Colony Community Center TBD
Wichita Falls 50+ Zone Reopened May 26
Wylie Wylie Senior Center TBD
From: Lewis McLain <lewis=mclaindss.com@send.aweber.com> On Behalf Of Lewis McLain
Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 4:43 PM
To: Kuechler, Sarah <Sarah.Kuechler@cityofdenton.com>
Subject: Senior centers in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake adapt to COVID-19
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Senior centers in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake adapt to COVID-19
Seniors participate in a socially distanced water aerobics class at The REC of Grapevine on Nov. 17.
Senior programs have slowly begun returning to in-person classes in a limited capacity. (Sandra
Sadek/Community Impact Newspaper)
Community IMpact News
By Sandra Sadek | 12:24 PM Dec 8, 2020 CST | Updated 12:24 PM Dec 8, 2020 CST
Senior centers in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake are working to provide activities and services in
new, safe ways during the coronavirus pandemic.
Many have yet to completely reopen for in-person classes and activities, such as aerobics and game
nights. When they do get together in person, masks are required, and social distancing of 6 feet or more
is maintained. Meals these days are available via pickup or delivery. Other offerings call for some
creativity.
“[Seniors] have really appreciated and really enjoyed the programs that we’ve been doing virtually,”
Grapevine Recreation Manager Trent Kelley said. “A lot of programs that we are bringing back have an
outdoor component to them.”
Senior citizens have endured months of isolation and are now demanding more in-person events.
“[Seniors] have asked how much longer [until we reopen] or have said they miss their friends,” said
Cody Ashton, specialist for Colleyville’s parks and recreation. “A lot of them are missing that social
aspect of the programs that we used to do.”
But an increase in the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Tarrant County has created additional
concerns. While those 65 and older represent less than 15% of coronavirus cases across the country,
they account for about 80% of COVID-19 related deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Should current trends continue, senior centers might have to close again to protect vulnerable members
despite efforts to safely reopen.
“We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to keep inching forward ... as long as we can do it safely,” Kelley
said.
Virtual connections
Since March, Grapevine’s senior center has been offering more than 200 different virtual programs each
week, including classes on how to use Zoom video conferencing software and how to file taxes. Now the
center is working on bringing back in-person activities at 50% capacity. Southlake’s center has also been
offering similar virtual classes.
Carolyn Seroka has been an active member of The REC Active Adult program in Grapevine since she
retired five years ago.
Like many, she has slowly returned to in-person classes she feels are safe. She has also enjoyed the
virtual classes offered these last few months.
“It was such a relief that it wasn’t hard [to transition to virtual classes],” Seroka said. “It was something
that we could continue to do, and it is much nicer than not being able to do it at all. It’s like [the
instructor] is in our house, and we see all of our friends and can talk to one another. It’s a great
substitute.”
Virtual classes also allow for more flexibility.
“I have an illness and a lot of times don’t feel well,” Grapevine resident Ruth Herrera said. “Virtual
classes have really been better for me than coming in person. A lot of them are recorded, and you can
watch later at your own convenience.”
The Southlake Senior Activity Center has not yet opened for in-person activities, according to Southlake
Community Services Director Chris Tribble.
“While we want to be engaged and offer some programming, we are very aware of our limits,” he said.
“The risk is not worth the outcome to have [seniors] back in the building yet.”
Facing similar challenges, the city of Colleyville Senior Center has been unable to completely open.
Having two staff members has also limited the center’s ability to offer virtual classes, said Lisa Escobedo,
city of Colleyville director of parks and recreation.••“We don’t have the staffing levels that a lot of the
other cities have to do that type of programming,” she said.
Hot meals on the go
Many senior centers have also increased meal assistance for members whose budget is limited or who
cannot cook for themselves.
Metroport Meals on Wheels regularly served about 75 seniors weekly in Southlake before the
pandemic. The meal program at the Southlake Senior Activity Center grew from a total of 60 meals in
the first month of the pandemic up to an average of 110 registered meals per week by August. The meal
service at the Southlake Senior Activity Center is currently available via curbside pickup.
Grapevine and Colleyville also offer hot meals to seniors. In Colleyville, meals are offered on the first and
third Friday of each month. According to Escobedo, an average of 70 meals are given out at each
distribution, and it is the most popular program offered.
In Grapevine, meal distributions have averaged 275 a week and are delivered five days a week.
Funding for seniors
While area senior centers have adjusted offerings of in-person activities since March, city funding for
senior-related programs has not drastically changed.
In Grapevine, funding was adjusted to reflect a reduction in senior programs according to Grapevine
Chief Financial Officer Greg Jordan.
The city’s 2020-21 budget will allocate roughly $550,000 for senior programs, a 25% decrease from the
previous year.••In Southlake, that number will total $232,000, according to Tribble. The budget is
expected to see a temporary 28% cut from the Community Enhancement Development Corporation due
to a reduction in programming, he said.
In Colleyville, funding for the senior center has been on the rise, with a full renovation planned for 2022,
said Assistant City Manager Mark Wood.
Despite the unknown challenges ahead, senior centers have made caring for members a priority.
“They are family, and we want to make sure we continue to do our best to help them stay active and
engaged both physically and mentally,” Tribble said.
4906 Morning Glory Way
McKinney TX 75072
USA
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Thank you to our participating partners:
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Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center, New Fairhaven Assisted Living
Diana Mays Medicare Insurance
REGISTER FOR A SENIOR ACTIVITY BAG!
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PICNIC IN THE PARK
Wednesday, Sept.30 | 1-2 p.m.Denton Senior Center Parking Lot
Bring this card to receive aFREE burger meal.
1
Thomas, Megan L.
From:Denton Parks and Rec <maria@cityofdenton.ccsend.com> on behalf of Denton Parks and Rec
<megan.thomas@cityofdenton.com>
Sent:Thursday, December 3, 2020 4:05 PM
To:Thomas, Megan L.
Subject:We really don't want you to miss what we have planned in December!
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CALL US AND LET'S TALK
NEW! Senior Talk (940) 349-8728 is a direct
conversation line for seniors who simply want to talk.
Beginning Dec. 7, senior volunteers will be available to
take calls.
Monday | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursdays | 2-5 p.m.
Please note, this is not a customer service line, and
while our volunteers are 100% amazing, they will have
limited knowledge of city services and operations. If you
need assistance with Parks and Rec or other City related issues, please call (940) 349-
7275.
Email Us
The center also has a new email that will go to Megan, Carin, and Jane. Please email us
with any questions, concerns, or ideas - we love hearing from you!
The email is DSC@cityofdenton.com.
2
Holiday Senior Activity Bag -
Deadline Dec. 3
Join us for some fun at home with our Holiday Senior
Activity Bag! Full of self-guided and virtual activities to
last the month. The bag is filled with goodies such as
rock painting, zoom seminars, bingo, holiday crafts,
Cooking with Carin, social hours, and even a New Year’s
Eve “Mask”-querade! $20, pre-registration
recommended. Bag pickup is Friday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.-1
p.m.
Register Right Away
Burlap Wreath Class
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-noon | $30.
Learn how to make an 8” burlap wreath in a Zoom class.
Materials provided, colors may vary. Available as a
stand-alone activity or as an add-on to the Holiday
Activity Bag.
Make A Wreath With Us!
Holiday Cookie Kit Decorating
Monday, Dec. 21 | 2-3 p.m.
Decorate sugar cookies for the holidays during our Zoom
party! Available as a stand-alone activity or as an add-on
to the Holiday Senior Activity Bag. There are two ways to
participate. Prepare your own cookies and icing and
email us at DSC@cityofdenton.com to receive the zoom
link by Friday, Dec. 19. Or, register by Dec.16 for a $10
kit with three cookies, icing, and sprinkles.
Decorate Cookies With Us!
3
Secret Santa
Join us for a fun Secret Santa gift exchange! Participants
will provide one gift valued at $15 to $20 for their Secret
Santa recipient. Gifts will be held at the Denton Senior
Center for at least a week for health and safety.
Staff will deliver gifts to each participant on the morning
of Dec. 21 before our ZOOM gift exchange. Registration
ends Dec. 8 and is free, but required.
Become A Secret Santa
Bag of Books Pick-Up
The Senior Center has a library of books that miss telling
their stories. Tell us what genres you prefer, your favorite
author, a series you are currently reading, and any other
details that will help us select a bag of books just for you.
We will notify you when your bag is ready for pick-up and
deliver it to your car. When you are ready for more
simply register for another bag and we will trade them
out. For your safety, all returned books are held for one
week before being recirculated. This service is
completely free.
Start Reading Now
No computer or smart device, no problem! Participants may call in to register and take
part in most programs. Please help us spread the word by sharing these activities and our
phone number (940) 349-8720 with those you know who may not receive this email.
Denton Parks and Rec | 321 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201
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Thank you to our participating partners:
BrightStar Care, DisposeRX, WellMed Denton
Alzheimer's Association Dallas & NorthEast Chapter,
New Fairhaven Assisted Living, Diana Mays Medicare Insurance
REGISTER FOR A HOLIDAY ACTIVITY BAG!
DECEMBER 2020
ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
8 9 10
15 16 17
22 23 24
6 7
13 14
20 21
27 28
4
11
18
25
29 30
5
12
19
26
31 1 2
VirtualBingoNoon-1p.m.
VirtualKick-off &Unbagging10-11 a.m.
VirtualCooking w/ Carin: HolidayTreats11 a.m. - noon
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Virtual"I've GotMedicare. NowWhat?" Lunch &Learn11:30 a.m. - 1p.m.
Self-led activities include a healthy challenge, scavenger hunt, word puzzles,canvas & rock painting and more.
VirtualHoliday Craft:Bows11 a.m. - noon
VirtualHoliday BingoNoon-1p.m.
VirtualWellMed Talk:MedicationManagement1-2 p.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE
CLOSED
CHRISTMAS
CLOSED
NEW YEAR'S DAY
CLOSED
VirtualTable Talk!Tips for theHolidays3 - 4:15 p.m.
VirtualSocial HourNoon-1p.m.
VirtualSocial HourNoon-1p.m.
Virtual"Mask"-queradeNoon-2 p.m.
Virtual (Add-on)CookieDecorating Party2-3 p.m.
Virtual (Add-on)Holiday Craft:Burlap Wreath11 a.m. - noon
Type this address directly into your browser or select the link in the provided participantemail. Bookmark it for easy access.
Visit www.zoom.us, select join, and enter the meeting ID and passcode.
No computer, no internet, no problem! Join by touchtone phone: +1 346 248 7799 andfollow the prompts.
Scavenger hunts: Take pictures/selfies and email to Carin.Zeman@cityofdenton.com orpost it directly on our Facebook page!
Canvas/Rock Painting: Use the provided supplies and template or create your own. Snapa picture and email it to Carin.Zeman@cityofdenton.com or post it directly on ourFacebook page!
All virtual activities will use the same meeting ID and Passcode.
Three ways to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5490702849?pwd=aXBZb3htUEd0YTNBQ003SHg1eTljQT09
To access and print additional Denton Parks and Rec bingo cards visithttps://bingobaker.com#4f9c9f9276ff7948.
Self-led Activities can be completed on your own time throughout the month.
December
Activities
Resend
28% Open
Rate, Sent
Dec. 3
December
Activities
26% Open
Rate, Sent
Nov. 24
Senior Activity Bag Sept.
23% Open Rate, Sent Sept. 1
#UniteDenton Workout
13% Open Rate, Sent Aug. 26
Sr. Center Ice Cream Giveaway
30% Open Rate, Sent Aug. 18
July Senior
Email
34% Open
Rate, Sent
July 8
June Senior Email
35% Open Rate, Sent June 13
Senior Socialization Survey Email
40% Open Rate, Sent June 12
Parks Update
Phase II
33% Open
Rate, Sent
May 31
Sr Center
Reminder
Email II
42% Open
Rate, Sent
March 22